Second Jan Smuts government


became South African Prime Minister for the second time in 1939, following a split in the United Party.
He appointed members of the United Party, Dominion Party and Labour Party to positions in his Cabinet.

Ministers

First Smuts Cabinet

The 1938 general election was won by the United Party, giving J. B. M. Hertzog a fourth consecutive term. In September 1939, the United Party was divided between supporters of J. B. M. Hertzog and those of his Justice Minister Jan Smuts. The split resulted from differences between supporters of neutrality in World War II and those who wanted South Africa follow the United Kingdom and declared war on Nazi Germany. Finally, Hertzog was outvoted within the United Party and Parliament. He resigned and left his place of Prime Minister to Jan Smuts forming a government with the Dominion Party and Labour Party
Party keyUnited Party
Party keyDominion Party
Party keyLabour Party

Second Smuts Cabinet